A LEADING professional cyclist from Cawood has thrown her weight behind a fundraising cancer charity ride in North Yorkshire.

Emma Silversides, who is principal rider of the Belgium-based Sengers Ladies Cycling Team, is encouraging people across the county to get on their bikes for Yorkshire Cancer Research’s Pedal For Pounds North, on Sunday, September 4.

The event is now in its fifth year and raises about £30,000 for research into cancer each year.

Emma, who lost her grandfather to cancer, said: “I know for sure that I am not alone when I say that I lost a precious family member to cancer.

“ I think that it is fair to say that everyone has been touched by this disease in one way or another.

“What better way to raise money for this worthy cause than getting out on your bike and enjoying the stunning scenery that our county offers?”

Emma, who also paints when not competing, has donated six signed prints of famous cyclists such as Graeme Obree and Marco Pantani to give away as a competition prize.

She has also donated 100 prints, worth nearly £3,000 featuring former cancer sufferer Lance Armstrong during a stage of the Tour de France when he was in the leader’s yellow jersey, which will be sold on the charity’s website.

Emma Young, head of events at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “With Emma’s help, we hope to achieve a record number of entries for this year’s bike ride and raise even more for our life-saving work.

“Sadly, Yorkshire currently has one of the worst cancer survival rates within the UK which is due a lack of funding provided by the government and national charities to internationally renowned researchers and clinicians within the region.”

Pedal For Pounds North comprises a 25-mile ride from Harewood House, near Leeds, to Collingham and back, or a 50-mile route which extends to Otley. For details and entries, go to ycr.org.uk/pedal